The power of healthy aging with protein

by Marylin Salgado

I wrote a blog last year on the benefits of Protein, because I am a big fan. I drink Tokkyo Nutrition vanilla protein shakes every day. I am a gym rat and love to work out, but Protein is just more than used for muscle building. 

I am writing this second blog to not only reinforce the benefits of using Protein, but present and educate you all on why you should be taking this product a few times a week, if not daily.

For those of us that are entering our 40’s, or even our mid life years, I can tell you that if you start to use Protein now, you will still reap the benefits of this great product. As a nurse of 15 years, I take care of America’s aging population. For wound healing, nutrition and overall health, protein is a HUGE part of their diet. If a patient does not eat well or refuses to eat, we give them an Ensure Shake powered up with protein. If they develop a wound, we give them protein with their medications. 

Are you starting to see a pattern? Let’s discuss some benefits of protein, which will definitely help you grow old more gracefully and healthy.

1. Drinking a protein shake as a meal supplement

A protein shake satisfies your hunger better then a meal full of carbs or fat. When this happens, you will last a few hours without feeling hungry or having to experience food cravings. If your goal is to lose weight or maintain your current weight, then this is a good way to start. 

Try this delicious recipe:

1 scoop of Tokkyo Nutrition Vanilla Protein

½ banana

1 heaping tablespoon of peanut butter

1 scoop of Tokkyo Nutrition Glutamine

1 scoop of Tokkyo Nutrition Creatine

1 1/3 cup of either milk or almond milk, for those with daily allergies or lactose intolerance

2. Protein helps build muscle

Random and multiple studies have been performed on various subject of all ages. One final result holds true for all, especially if you are exercising and integrating resistance training in your workouts. These individuals showed and increase in muscle mass as well as a general of well being in their overall health. 

3. Protein helps enhance hair, skin and nails.

Take your supplements with a daily protein shake. When we drink a protein shake, the protein breaks down to its basic building blocks buddies, amino acids. These little guys play a crucial role in the growth and repair of cells within our bodies, which includes hair, skin and nails. AND LADIES…. if you are going through the post-menopausal stages of life, protein insufficiency will result in hair thinning, which can also happen with a decrease in hormonal levels. 

4. Amino Acids

Those little building block buddies protein breaks down into, helps build your immune system. One of these amino acids is Glutamine. I add that extra amino acid to my protein shake every day as well. After a great workout, a protein shake with a scoop Tokkyo Nutrition Glutamine is definitely a win. Several medical studies have also shown that protein malnutrition, or lack of protein, can actually increase the risk of several health problems and the ability to fight disease. Protein is also crucial in wound healing. So, if you have a wound from Diabetes or just had surgery, ask your MD to add a high dose protein drink to your diet. 

5. The Elder years

Here is where I started this blog; the aging population. And we will all get there, sooner or later. 

It may sound shocking, but by the time people hit their late 70s, it is common for them to have only 25% of the muscle mass they had during their prime years (15). – Michael Joseph, nutritionadvance.com

Not only does lack of protein in our bodies affect muscle mass, but it also increases the risk of osteoporosis and bone loss as we age. 

6. Dieting alone will not help you lose weight

Adding exercise to your daily or weekly routine helps, but again, drinking a protein shake daily, or even a few times a week, will help you feel full and curve those food cravings we all get. Dieting alone, or meal or portion control, may not be enough. I drink protein shakes all the time, and I still want the occasional ice cream. Without the protein intake, my cravings would definitely be worse.

7. Protein requires more energy to digest

Winning!! In other words, protein requires more energy to digest then a protein portion of chicken or a pork chop. Your body is essentially increasing its metabolic rate and burning as you absorb this necessary nutrient. 

8. Protein helps reduce BP and Cholesterol

Daily protein intake has proven, in various research studies, on average, to help reduce systolic blood pressure, the top number on your BP reading. It has also been shown to help reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides. 

Final thought is quite simple. Adding protein to your protein should be a requirement for overall health and body structure. 

This platform is meant to educate Tokkyo Nutrition consumers with the information needed to help you stay mentally and physically healthy. 

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT US AND OUR GREAT PRODUCTS, PLEASE VISIT US AT TOKKYONUTRITION.COM FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM AND POST YOUR THOUGHTS AND IDEAS. WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU!!

Sources:

https://www.nutritionadvance.com/protein-health-benefits

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-reasons-to-eat-more-protein#TOC_TITLE_HDR_7